Philip Rivers Last Year in SD

San Diego Chargers quarterback, Phillip Rivers is entering his tenth NFL season with the Chargers. Ten may very well be Rivers last season with the Chargers, if he does not throw the bolts to the playoffs in the 2013 season.

The sad thing is Rivers was a premier quarterback about three years ago, WHEN THEY HAD TALENT!  San Diego has continued to lose important players such as; Ladanian Tomlinson, Darin Sproles, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Cromartie.  Need I say more?  Well, there is more…San Diego has an awful offensive line.  Rivers was sacked a total of 49 times last season.  That’s three sacks a game people.

San Diego MUST draft an explosive player that can come in right away and help out Rivers so he can keep his job in Cali.  The NFL draft is set to start Thursday, April, 25.  They hold the 11 overall pick. 

A team can certainly find a future NFL star with a top 15 pick.  I suggest San Diego take a look at wide receiver, Tavon Austin, from West Virginia University.  Austin is a playmaker! An athlete!(WATCH IT TO YOUR RIGHT) You can’t go wrong.  Yeah drafting a solid lineman would be the “smart” pick, but I see Rivers having a similar downhill season, such as last if he doesn’t receive offensive weapons immediately. 

Whatever the pick may be…San Diego better be smart about it or Rivers is destine to have another bad season.

In the past two seasons Rivers has a total of 35 interceptions.  One more year of 15+ INT’s and a sub-par record may have the franchise looking to move on from good ol cocky Phillip.  I don’t think it is fair to Philip, in reality, when put in a good situation he is a top ten quarterback easily.  San Diego just isn’t the same as what they were…unless they prove otherwise in the 2013 season.

   

Best Jerseys in the AFC West

Thought I’d spice things up this week.  This week I will rank the AFC West jerseys from one being the hottest uniform to four the worst.  This post may attract a little more females. Not much, sadly.  Enough with the junk…they don't like sports anyway. JOKING! 

4.  Kansas City Chiefs

Description: Chiefs main colors are red, yellow and white.  Their logo is and arrowhead with KC inside.  Over the years Kansas City has kept a pretty similar jersey with some minor changes here and there.  Kansas City lands in the four spot.

3.  Denver Broncos

Description:  Orange jersey with blue or white pants.  The “Orange Crush” is a solid looking jersey.  The pants are white or blue with an orange stripe down the side.  Denver’s jersey combination is nothing too flashy, and has been fairly similar for a good decade and a half.  Helmet color is dark blue with a orange stripe down the center and the “bronco” logo on each side.

2.  Oakland Raiders

Description: If any team has went through the least amount of uniform changes over the franchises history it is the Oakland Raiders.  Silver and black has always been the color-way.  One of the most traditional uniforms you’ll see in the NFL. The helmet is silver with a raider shield on both sides. By far one of the best looking uniforms in the league.  I don’t ever expect Oakland to ever make major changes to their classic look.  Only one jersey could possible top the silver and black…which leaves me with the “powder blues”.

1.  San Diego Chargers powder blue jerseys with the white helmet and white pants is the coldest uniform in the league, let alone the AFC West.  Every time the jersey is worn I think about becoming a chargers fan, just so I can look nice in the “powder blue” jerseys! Best uniform in the league, hands down.

Oak Town Continued

Oak Town is for real.  After acquiring Matt Flynn to help out there offense and save the big bucks.  The Oakland Raiders have strengthened their defense a great deal in the last week.  Signing two starting corner-backs in the NFL, Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins; Jenkins and Porter are both proven corner-backs (CB) in the NFL. 

Jenkins is a former first round draft pick and a pro bowler for “Americas Team” the Dallas Cowboys.  While Tracy Porter is known for sealing the deal for the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl 43 W against the Indianapolis Colts.  Porter picked off future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning. 

Mike Jenkins

I would have to argue that Oakland now has one of the strongest cornerback tandems in the NFL.  If Tracy Porter can stay healthy and that is a big if! Porter started the first quarter of the NFL season alongside with Champ Bailey, last season for the Broncos, but suffered from an undisclosed illness that left him out for the remainder of the season and the playoffs.  Maybe it was the mile high altitude in Denver…

Tracy Porter Super Bowl Winning Interception

The Raiders didn’t stop there though…

Veteran defensive lineman Andre Carter is staying in Oakland on a one year deal.  Carter, 34-years of age was huge for Oakland last season with 10 recorded sacks, just a season after he suffered a torn quadriceps muscle.  Carter isn’t I guy who will play a lot of downs but when he is in he is nothing but productive. 

Look for Oakland’s defense to be upgraded from last season. 

If the offense can be productive and keep the defense off the field Oakland will be successful in 2013. 

Up until this point in the offseason; the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos have improved their rosters.  San Diego Chargers not so much…

Matthew Flynn Traded to Raiders

After not even two years with the Oakland the Raiders QB Carson Palmer is out and Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks is in.  The Oakland Raiders had a choice to make; pay Palmer $13 million this year or cut him.  Seemed like a pretty easy decision to me...considering Palmer is 33 years of age.  

The Raiders traded for back-up quarterback to Russel Wilson last season, Matt Flynn for a fifth round draft pick in 2014 and a conditional pick in 2015 if Carson Palmer starts 13 games.

The chances Palmer starts 13 games next season is slim.  Palmer has to prove himself when he enters training camp.  Most likely Palmer will start off the season but finishing the season strong is my question...due to his age and lack of targets.

Matt Flynn signed a huge contract with the Seahawks in the off-season in 2012, but never started in the 2012 season.  He has started in only two games in his five year professional career.  With all the money this guy has earned for such little accomplishments; he has to prove himself in Oakland.  This is it!

Flynn is put in a great situation with his back-up being Terrell Pryor.  Pryor cant throw a ball in the ocean, so Flynn shouldn't sweat to much about losing his job.  He has to get out of the field and perform.

No one really knows what Flynn can do for Oakland.  Everyone is optimistic from his two outstanding starts in his career, back when he played with Green Bay in 2011. Bottom line: Flynn  is a toss up! He doesn't have enough experience for anyone to say he will be a great quarterback or vise versa.  Again, he has only started two games in his career!

Time will tell if Flynn is the real deal for Oakland.  One thing is for sure, Oakland saved a ton of money by giving up on Carson Palmer and signing Matt Flynn.

Why Denver Shouldn't Worry About Losing Dumervil

As if the AFC Championship loss to the Baltimore Ravens wasn’t enough, the Denver Broncos lost again to the Ravens…Defensive end Elvis Dumervil signed with the Baltimore Ravens last week, on a five year deal worth about $ 35 million.  

Dumervil was drafted by the Broncos in 2006, in his seven seasons with Denver, Dumervil recorded 63.5 sacks.  Solid career to say the least, but was it time for Denver to part ways with Dumervil and get younger on the defensive line? I believe so, and here is why. 

No matter how great a player may be, age always catches up with his performance on the field. Fact and matter is Dumervil is at the prime of his career at 29, but how many more great years does he really have left in the tank? Two, three years at most.

Take a look at Indianapolis Colts defensive linemane, Dwight Freeney for instance... In the past two seasons Freeney has only racked up 45 total tackles and 13.5 sacks.  Freeney is 33-years-old and at the tail end of his career.  If I’m Denver I shy away from Dwight Freeney...

Freeney posted a career low 5 sacks last season.  Surely, Denver Broncos Robert Ayers can match that number in 2013. Ayers is 27-years-old. Youth is important in the game of football. Players need to be able to play a lot of snaps. Denver shouldn’t feel as if they need to panic after losing Dumervil.  

Don’t be shocked if the Broncos pass on old timer  Freeney.  The NFL draft has a lot of prospects to offer Denver.  Drafting a stout Defensive lineman will not only make the Broncos a younger team, but also save them money.

Denver is still a heavy favorite to win the AFC West next season and make a run for the Super Bowl with or without Dumervil. 

At the end of the day Dumervil was a bad break up and I’m sure Denver would have loved to have him back in orange and blue, but losing Elvis was not significant enough to remove the Broncos from Super Bowl contention in 2013.   

Chiefs Are Building A Playoff Caliber Team

The Kansas City Chiefs are headed in the right direction, the playoffs.  With just a few vital moves in the past couple of months, the Chiefs have the pieces to win the AFC West and make the playoffs in 2013. 

Chiefs QB Alex Smith

Alex Smith lost his starting job for the San Francisco 49ers and Andy Reid was let go after a great tenure as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach.  Kansas City now has a playoff QB and coach, with Smith and Reid.  How well will Smith Reid the defenses? 

Andy Reid and Alex Smith Welcomed to Kansas City

Andy Reid is a top ten coach in the NFL. Hands down.  Adding Reid as the new head coach was huge for the Chiefs.  Expect Reid to implement his system fast, the Chiefs will respond to Reid’s player friendly coaching style and start to get the W’s.

Just like Reid’s teams in the past.  Now I know he didn't have the best last couple seasons in Philly, but the Chiefs will respond. Don’t forget Reid coached the Eagles that went to four NFC championship game appearances and one Super Bowl in seven years.  Not a bad coach if you ask me.

Last season the Chiefs were the only team out of the 32 NFL teams, to have more Pro Bowl players than wins.  The Pro Bowl is basically an All-Star game for those who aren't aware.  This proves that the Chiefs already have talented players on their roster, here are a few; Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Eric Berry, Tamba Hali.  Adding QB Alex Smith is arguably adding another Pro Bowler. 

Luke Joeckel 

The Chiefs are all but set on taking OT, Luke Joeckel out of Texas A&M with their overall number one draft pick in Aprils, 2013 NFL draft.  Joeckel is a perfect fit for Kansas City. Some may ask why is Joeckel such a good fit? Well...

If you’re Kansas City you must protect your game manager:  Alex Smith.  Simple as that. Protect Smith and you will see results, just as Harbough proved in 2011 with Smith.  In my Senior Bowl post , I mentioned that I would be shocked if Kansas City selected a QB with the first pick.  Shortly after my post, Smith was signed.  Now go protect him with the first draft choice, Kansas City.  

Wes Lands West

Wes Welker signed a 2 year deal with Denver Broncos for $12 million. Surely the Patriots could afford to pay Welker 6 $million a year, right? Think again. The New England Patriots let Welker test free agency, and Wes went West. 

The mission continues for the Broncos and GM, John Elway. The Mission: Bring a Super Bowl to Denver. You may ask, why is this guy “Wes Welker” such a great move for the Broncos?  In the past six seasons, five of those seasons Welker recorded over 100+ catches and 1000+ receiving yards. Welker would have reached those numbers in all six seasons if it were not for tearing his ACL in 2010.  Not to mention Welker was Tom Brady’s favorite target.  

Tom Brady has won three Super Bowls out of five appearances.  If you’re Tom Brady’s favorite target, that is saying a lot…

This move means the Broncos mean business, and mean business now!  The coaching staff knows QB Peyton Manning is at the tail end of his career and they must put the pieces around him ASAP, so the puzzle can be solved. Denver has spiked their chances up of winning a Super Bowl with the add of veteran receiver, Welker. The last time they won a Super Bowl, was back in 98' when the Broncos current GM, John Elway was the QB.

Manning will be throwing the ball more and more with Mr. Welker in the offense.  Manning doesn't have a rocket by any means but he exceptionally smart and precise with his throws. If you combine Manning’s ability with Welker’s great route running and gift to get out in the open field with his speed, I can’t help to picture success for the Broncos in 2013.  Remember…last season was Manning’s first season back in over a year.  Expect nothing but great for Wes Welker and the Broncos.

Look for Denver to use less two tight end sets and more three wide receiver sets.  Denver now has arguably the best receiver trio in the NFL.  Before the Welker pick up, I thought drafting a running back or finding one via free agency was a must.  Don’t be shocked if Denver sticks with Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno in the running game.  It’s obvious Denver will be a pass happy team in 2013.  Adding a big name running back isn't that important.

Is it football season yet??

Denver made some other free agency moves throughout the first two days of free agency.  Some notables; David Bruton (SS),  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB),  Louis Vasquez (RG), Stewart Bradley (LB).

TE'O DRAFT STOCK FALLING, IT COULD LAND HIM IN DENVER

This past weekend , the underpants Olympics or better known as the NFL Combine took place in Indianapolis.  Last years draft was loaded with prospects.  We’re going to take a look at Manti Te’o and his draft stock after the NFL Combine and girlfriend hoax.

Te'o Addressing the Media

Manti Te’o is probably a house hold name for all of the wrong reasons right now. He is an outstanding, hardworking kid that was a little gullible, and fell in love with a girl he never met.  Unfortunately the women he thought he fell in love with wasn’t real.  Yeah, I am sure you have heard the story numerous times by now.  The kid made a mistake and when I say kid, I mean kid, he’s 22 years old there is still a lot of growth to happen in his life.  It sickens me, that we as a nation, try to bring down the strong and clear headed men.   Now that you know how I feel about the whole Te’o case, let’s take a look at his performance on Sunday. 

At 1:45 PM Te’o ran his 40 yard dash.  He finished 20 of the 26 participating linebackers.  Clocking in at 4.82.  This hurt Manti’s draft stock, not a tremendous amount, but probably a couple selections.  I still believe Te’o will be drafted in the late first round.  Who expected him to run much faster.  This is a guy who won seven, I repeat seven awards his senior season for THE Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and came in second place in the Heisman race.  Hey, he must be something right.  But, with a combination of the whole girlfriend hoax, and his lack of speed in the 40 yard dash, Manti’s draft stock has dropped significantly in the past four or five months.  This was a player who was predicted to be picked in the top ten come April.  That’s a lot of money he’s losing people. 

Manti Doing Cone Drills

Last year Andrew Luck picked number one overall signed a four year $ 22 million dollar deal, the last pick in the first round, 32, David Wilson signed a four year $ 6.8 million dollar contract.  Not saying Te’o won’t be able to live comfortable, but he could potentially lose millions. 

Don’t be surprised if Te’o gets picked up by the Denver Broncos at 28 in Aprils draft, Von Miller has performed great at the outside linebacker position in his first two seasons.  Denver needs a solid middle linebacker to complete their linbacking core. Keith Brooking played well for Denver in 2012, but he will turn 38 shortly.  Manti can easily drop to 28.  From what I heard, Denver Broncos, GM and ex Broncos quarterback , John Elway is interested in Te’o.  Manti said he is expected to meet with 18 more NFL teams in the upcoming weeks, he could land anywhere, but there is nothing like the cold rockies!

Check out my weekly poll at the very bottom of my blog!

Please, give me feedback.  Every little bit helps. Thanks.  

Senior Bowl Opens the Eyes of the AFC West

Each year after the regular season the top college football seniors participate in one last football exhibition, known as the Senior Bowl. 

Lets take a look at some the best and worst performances in the 2013 Senior Bowl that took place on January 28. There wasn't anyone with huge numbers in this year’s Senior Bowl. Each player gets a chance to showcase their skills, so none received enough reps to produce big time numbers.

Quarterback Zac Dysert out of Miami of Oxford looked okay, on the 28, completing 10 of 16 passes for 93 yards with 1 touchdown (TD) and 1 interception (INT).  Mike Glennon from NC State completed 8-16, 82 yards.  EJ Manuel who played his college ball in at Florida State,  looked the most comfortable out of the participating quarterbacks, scoring a TD on a gorgeous play action throw to 270 pounder Michael Williams from Bama in the back of the end zone. 

The Chiefs are the only team out of the AFC West in desperate need of a quarterback before the start of next season.  Unless Kansas City takes a HUGE gamble don’t expect any of the quarterbacks that participated in the Senior Bowl to be selected number one overall. 

Running back, Jonathan Franklin separated himself from the rest of the running backs in the Senior Bowl.  Although 2013 isn’t the strongest class of running backs, or any position really, Franklin could fit well in the AFC West, particularly in Denver.  He can hit the edge with speed and explode when he reaches the open field, and he has got decent size standing six feet 195 pounds. 

Denver is in need of a bigger back to take the load off of Peyton Manning.  Willis McGahee will turn 32 next season and Ronnie Hillman is simply too small.  Knowshon Moreno, bounced back, and finished last season strong.  Moreno will push for the starting role in the 2013 season.  

Some other back performances that may open the eyes of the AFC West…

·         Stepfan Taylor (Stanford) 9 carries, 55 yards

·         Mike Gillislee (Florida) 10 carries, 48 yards

·         Kenjon Barner (Oregon) 3 carries, 13 yards with 7 catches 59 yards and a TD

The Senior Bowl was pretty weak…NFL Scouts will be watching the seniors performances at the NFL combine, that will take place from February 23^rd-26^th.  

2012 Season Recap

There is 45 seconds left to go in the game. Ball on the Baltimore 30 yard line, 3rd and 3. The Denver Broncos are winning with the score of 35 to 28. Baltimore has NO TIMEOUTS and 70 yards to gain...I am on the edge of my chair, the last time the Broncos reached the Super Bowl, well, I was learning my ABC's. The Broncos are going to the Super Bowl!  Think again...

Joe Flacco snaps the ball, drops back, steps back into the pocket to avoid a hit and heaves it down field  into the hands of Jacoby Jones for a TD.  Baltimore wins in overtime.  

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2012 season with a record of two and 14 -  Kansas City obviously needs the most help in the off-season.  The recent acquire of head coach Andy Reid is a strong building block.  Look for the Chiefs to search for a QB either through free-agency or the NFL draft. Matt Cassel at 30, is not much better than a back up at this point in his career. 

The Oakland Raiders finished the season four and 12.  Fun fact, Oakland is my dads favorite team. We go at it! I win of course, I mean, Oakland's combined record in the last ten seasons is 49 and 111...Sorry, pops. Oakland has the 3rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.  I say give QB Carson Palmer one more shot.  Oakland should think about dumping Palmer though, he's set to make 13 million in 2013.  The Raiders are VERY weak in the secondary.    

San Diego Chargers finished seven and nine.  Phillip Rivers by far played the worst season in his career last year and San Diego still squeaked out seven wins.  Rivers is still a franchise QB in the NFL, but he must have weapons.  Get Rivers weapons! Deep threat wide receivers, the loss of Vincent Jackson last season was crucial. Rivers and San Diego won't make the playoffs without a line...San Diego holds the 11th overall pick in this NFL draft this spring. 

Now you are aware of the results of the AFC West from the 2012 season as well as their first round draft position.  What moves will each team from the AFC West make this off-season to become one step closer in becoming victorious??

Please, check out my next post, as I plan to cover the Senior Bowl performances that stand out to the AFC Westlies! 





“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln 

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